Tap, Tap, Tap Bad Starter???

[1550vt]

I started just going ahead and installing one of those push-buttons in place of the solenoid case cover on every bike I own. Its the one with three bolts in it. This little button by-passes the handlebar start button, the starter relay and the starter solenoid. It's cheap, easy to install and as long as you have battery...it will turn over. Yes....it will turn over even if the ignition is locked, but it won't crank-n-run unless the ignition is on. Your okay as long as some dummy don't come up and ask "what does this button do" and push it. If it's in gear, it will roll. You can pick your bike up off the ground after you kick his lame butt for pushing the button.

[Dan89FLSTC]

If the contacts in the solenoid are shot the button thing won`t help, you still have to have a connection from the battery to the starter...

[1550vt]

That is absolutely true. Those contacts and the disc on the solenoid plunger need to be inspected and cleaned so the disc does make good contact. If they were that funky...it would not work either way. All you are doing with the button is pushing the plunger and the extension/jack-shaft in by hand and by-passing the job of the solenoid.

[goodkarmech]

Most of the starters are the Nippondenso type with a squared off cover on one side held on by 3, 8mm headed machine screws. The starter contacts are in there, 2 stationary and a disc that's attached to a plunger. The stationary contacts are replaceable, but they come in different configurations. If you are lucky enough to have a starter rebuilder nearby they will most likely have the different types in stock.
Or you can check this website which has contacts listed by size and Toyota part numbers which can be ordered from Toyota.
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...OnlineOrdering

[1550vt]

When you get in there...go ahead and install a push-button on the end cover. They are pretty cheap and will by-pass the handlebar switch, starter relay and the solenoid windings. It does not help a bad starter motor, overrunning clutch or some other mechanical problem, but it serves as a good diagnostic tool...and will crank you if the other stuff fails. Neither will it help if those contatcts or the disc is fried, but usually....they will clean-up. It just goes back on where that little cover mentioned above goes.

Yes....some clown can push that button when it is in gear and just parked and the bike will crank....won't start but it will move. That's when it becomes a personal issue between you and the idiot that pushed it.